House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2021, with 54% of the vote.
Business of Supply May 31st, 2021
Madam Chair, as I said before, I take this very seriously because I sign export permits. A recent example of us rescinding arms permits to Turkey because of violations of the agreement is a clear indication that we take this issue extremely seriously and that there are strict conditions associated with providing arms export permits.
Business of Supply May 31st, 2021
Madam Chair, it has come to the heart of my own riding, where swastikas were painted on the doors of the synagogue barely 100 yards from my home and we saw violence in recent demonstrations and anti-Semitism in my own riding near Montreal's Israeli consul general. The Prime Minister, myself and other members of government have been speaking out forcefully that it is critically important that we condemn all demonstrations of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in this country.
Business of Supply May 31st, 2021
Madam Chair, Canada strongly supports the ICC and the important work it does as a key pillar of the rules-based international order. Canada continues to respect the independence of its judges and of the ICC prosecutor.
However, Canada's long-standing position is that it does not recognize a Palestinian state because it has not yet occurred and therefore it does recognize the accession of such a state to international treaties, include the Rome Statute.
Business of Supply May 31st, 2021
Madam Chair, Canada's long-standing position with respect to settlements has been that we do not recognize any territories taken by Israel in the 1967 war and our position is these settlements are not legitimate, as well as the possibility of evictions and demolitions that are threatened at the moment in East Jerusalem.
Business of Supply May 31st, 2021
Madam Chair, I refer my colleague to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights statement we made last Thursday, where we have been very clear on our position with respect to trying to achieve a two-state solution and particularly with respect to the issue of settlements, which has been a very difficult one and which has essentially been a major stumbling block in finding a two-state solution. Canada is categorical in saying these settlements must cease immediately.
Business of Supply May 31st, 2021
Madam Chair, I agree with my colleague. Yes, it is one thing to say we favour the two-state solution, but we must proactively try to help in that direction. This morning, I spoke with the foreign minister of Egypt and the foreign minister of Jordan. I have spoken to the foreign minister of the United States. I have spoken to the foreign minister of Israel as well as the foreign minister for the Palestinian authority in Canada, who has said it is hoping to be able to help toward a long-term solution, the two-state solution.
Business of Supply May 31st, 2021
Madam Chair, to answer the first part of the member's question, Canada continues to support Taiwan's significant participation at international multilateral forums, where it makes an important contribution. We are Taiwan's ally. We have a relationship between our peoples, we are trading partners, and we believe that Taiwan's observer status at the World Health Organization is deserved because it can contribute important information.
Business of Supply May 31st, 2021
Madam Chair, when we have citizens abroad, their files are always open.
Business of Supply May 31st, 2021
Madam Chair, what I can say is that the Government of Canada remains actively engaged in Nathalie Morin's file. Consular officials are following the case closely and are ready to provide consular assistance.
We will remain proactive in helping Ms. Morin. Due to the provisions of the Privacy Act, no further information can be disclosed.
Business of Supply May 31st, 2021
Madam Chair, I think our recent decision on the export of arms to Turkey demonstrates very clearly that we are keeping a close eye on what we consider to be violations of arms export agreements.
First, my predecessor temporarily suspended such exports last fall. I subsequently made the decision to revoke certain arms export permits to Turkey.